Braxton Hicks - how long between false labour and real labour?

[theprincessthepea]

I know it’s different for all women but I’m wondering how long it took you to go into labour from your first braxton hicks. I never had it with my first and she was born 10 days before my due date.

Now I’m getting period like cramps and stomach tightening. Whilst I’m waiting I’m curious to hear others experiences.

My sister has had Braxton hicks since about 30 weeks pregnant, she's 35 weeks now and no signs of actual labour. I don't think they indicate the start of labour generally!

If it is early labour though, I can't imagine your body going more than a few days without kick starting proper labour. Though everyone is different it's impossible to say

It all depends on your body. My body dilates early and I had Braxton hicks very early too late 20s weeks. I have had 3 DC and my last DC (I was already 4cm wandering around not in Labour) I felt the contractions, not painful but noticed they were every 10 minutes. I was 31 weeks, decided to get checked and they found they were real contractions and I was put on total bed rest in hospital for a week and steriods given. I went home still on bed rest and when at 38 weeks they started boy did I know about it. My first 2 DC were irregular contractions braxton hicks and it was only when painful and regular I knew it was time. So my experience is Braxton Hicks are not a sign labour is going to start very soon, but any regular even non/painful contractions should be seen by a dr or midwife.

Following as I’m also curious. I’ve been having braxton hicks since 30 ish weeks. On one occasion they were regular and turned out to be a UTI. I’m having them more regularly now at 37+4 but had an appointment this morning where I was monitored on the ctg. The tightenings were picked up but they weren’t concerned. I guess it’s just a waiting game. How far along are you? Sorry I’ve not been of much help.

I started having lots of braxton hicks at 30 weeks and DD was born 40+2. My midwife said she's feels that braxton hicks are a good sign that your uterus is active. I ended up having a super quick labour! May or may not have been linked. All the best with little one. My DD is 6 months and can't imagine life without her, it's the best

@Milsandmyls I’m 39 weeks but have been booked in for an induction due to GD. I have mixed feelings about being induced so I guess a part of me is hoping the Braxton hicks are are sign that labour is near!

I didn’t realised people could experience it earlier than 35 weeks.

@GraceyDoodles so sweet. Time must go so fast x

@theprincessthepea aww so close. Best of luck with everything I’m sure everything will be great. Excited for you ❤️

Ive been having BH since I was 25 weeks... No signs of labour, and some of the contractions are proper ones. I am 38 weeks today.
So yeah... BH mean nothing!

Yeah, I think I had Braxton hicks from around 30 weeks second time, none the first time and it was early. Second time was 3 days over

I had braxton hicks from the second trimester with babies 2&3 They are absolutely no sign that labour is near. Baby 2 was born at 40+2 and baby 3 was 41+2

I had BH from about 20 weeks first pregnancy, even earlier second time! I am now over 39 weeks and no sign of baby. They’ve never been painful though, just a hardening of my belly. If yours are
painful it might be actual contractions not BH at all??

20 weeks.

I think they said at my NCT class that you get them from really early, and it just varies from woman to woman as to when they're strong enough to feel.